The Sony BDP-S300/301 Review Thread

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by monkyman

Paidgeek says the S300 can decode TrueHD through HDMI, If so, it must have been slipped in with the latest firmware upgrade.

Can anyone confirm this with there reciever???

I would really like to know this for sure before I get a new reciever.


Link:
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...&postcount=336

Bump

[krazeyeyez]

just wondering if any of you tech guys know how this player stacks up as an upconverter for dvd. when i bought it i didn't realize some do a better job then others, and eventually i will get a ps3, just wanted to know if this should be a factor in my pro's list as to buying a ps3 or if the upconvert difference is negligible.

[djOS]

Originally Posted by JasonR

Bump

I've tested TrueHD on my s300 as follows:

My s300 (FW 3.7) is connected via HDMI to my Marantz SR8001 AVR + Krix Neuphonics Mains, Epicentrix Center, Equinox Rears and Seismix 5 SubWoofer.

When playing the TrueHD track from 5th Element Remastered:

If I set HDMI Audio to Auto it throws out a stock DD5.1 track to the AVR.

If I set HDMI Audio to PCM it throws out an LPCM 5.1 track to the AVR.

To my ears I cant tell any difference, however when playing the native LPCM 5.1 track that is on the disc, it sounds much more detailed than the "TrueHD" track.

Im pretty certain that my s300 is only decoding the core DD5.1 track contained in the TrueHD track.

[djOS]

Originally Posted by krazeyeyez

just wondering if any of you tech guys know how this player stacks up as an upconverter for dvd. when i bought it i didn't realize some do a better job then others, and eventually i will get a ps3, just wanted to know if this should be a factor in my pro's list as to buying a ps3 or if the upconvert difference is negligible.

It's ok, nothing special but not crap either. My HQV ReonVX equipped XE1 (XA2) destroys it in the upscaling dept so I only use my s300 for Blu-Ray Playback.

[zepherman]

Originally Posted by djOS

It's ok, nothing special but not crap either. My HQV ReonVX equipped XE1 (XA2) destroys it in the upscaling dept so I only use my s300 for Blu-Ray Playback.

Same here.

[Britnasty]

Hi all. I'm new to this whole Blu-Ray thing as I've been a long time HDDVD supporter (I know, im an idiot lol), but I just ordered the S301 off ebay (for 150 less).

Now my question is, do I need to do through and download all the firmware updates or just the latest 3.70?

Thanks!

[monkyman]

Originally Posted by Britnasty

Hi all. I'm new to this whole Blu-Ray thing as I've been a long time HDDVD supporter (I know, im an idiot lol), but I just ordered the S301 off ebay (for 150 less).

Now my question is, do I need to do through and download all the firmware updates or just the latest 3.70?

Thanks!

Just the latest, the update wipes out previous versions. Welcome to the forums!

[Moefiz]

Originally Posted by Britnasty

Hi all. I'm new to this whole Blu-Ray thing as I've been a long time HDDVD supporter (I know, im an idiot lol), but I just ordered the S301 off ebay (for 150 less).

Now my question is, do I need to do through and download all the firmware updates or just the latest 3.70?

Thanks!

If the previous owner didn't upgrade the firmware you will have to if its new out of the box unless its 3.70 you will have to.

Just 3.70 which is the latest.

[blurayisking]

You're test for TRUE-HD confirms what I've been told by Sony.

The BDP-S300 DOES NOT DECODE TRUE-HD.

I was also told that it is unlikely that any future firmware upgrade will include this feature for the BDP-S300.

[djOS]

Originally Posted by Britnasty

Hi all. I'm new to this whole Blu-Ray thing as I've been a long time HDDVD supporter (I know, im an idiot lol), but I just ordered the S301 off ebay (for 150 less).

Now my question is, do I need to do through and download all the firmware updates or just the latest 3.70?

Thanks!

Just 3.7, thankfully they are cumulative updates.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by djOS

I've tested TrueHD on my s300 as follows:

If I set HDMI Audio to Auto it throws out a stock DD5.1 track to the AVR.

If I set HDMI Audio to PCM it throws out an LPCM 5.1 track to the AVR.

does it display the bitrate for each? (this would conclude if it does or not)

[djOS]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

does it display the bitrate for each? (this would conclude if it does or not)

I dont believe my Marantz will show the bitrates, I've looked thru the manual and cant find any reference to displaying that info.

[zepherman]

Originally Posted by blurayisking

You're test for TRUE-HD confirms what I've been told by Sony.

The BDP-S300 DOES NOT DECODE TRUE-HD.

I was also told that it is unlikely that any future firmware upgrade will include this feature for the BDP-S300.

Well that sucks!! If it holds true and Sony does not offer one I am going to upgrade to another player that will. My Sony S300 has been a flawless performer (no complaints with operationality) but I have a Denon AVP-A1HDCI pre/pro on the way soon and I want to be able to send a bitstream via HDMI for TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. So for me the S300 just won't won't fit the bill for that.

You know in a way it's kind of sad as I was one of the very first to own the S300 under the initial impression that it would be HDMI 1.3 compliant. Of course we all know now that it's not. But it's a bummer that we were originally led to believe that it was.

I love my S300 but I need a player that does more.



Seth

[djOS]

Originally Posted by zepherman

Well that sucks!! If it holds true and Sony does not offer one I am going to upgrade to another player that will. My Sony S300 has been a flawless performer (no complaints with operationality) but I have a Denon AVP-A1HDCI pre/pro on the way soon and I want to be able to send a bitstream via HDMI for TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. So for me the S300 just won't won't fit the bill for that.

You know in a way it's kind of sad as I was one of the very first to own the S300 under the initial impression that it would be HDMI 1.3 compliant. Of course we all know now that it's not. But it's a bummer that we were originally let to believe that it was.

I love my S300 but I need a player that does more.



Seth

Hmm, I suspect Sony thinks we are dumb enuf to buy a "Sapphire 3 or 4" player when they come out!

*waits for Sapphire Players to come out*

[JonR]

I received this from Sony. Is this the latest? I have not installed it yet.

[AT-AT Luvah]

Yes, that is the latest fw version.

[Scorxpion]

Originally Posted by JonR

I received this from Sony. Is this the latest? I have not installed it yet.

Yes this is the latest one and a recommendation for installing updates is to read the full instructions on their site before doing it.

Warning and attention dont ever shut down your player by yourself just read the complete instructions and apply it accordingly.

Good Luck

[JonR]

Thanks guys. I received the firmware disc in the mail and it has instructions with it. I am still a bit hesitant about doing it though. I don't want to damage the player.

[Scorxpion]

Originally Posted by JonR

Thanks guys. I received the firmware disc in the mail and it has instructions with it. I am still a bit hesitant about doing it though. I don't want to damage the player.

Dont be afraid i used to be like that before while updating my PS3.you will see everything will be easy and straight forward.for any information on the intructions itself dont hesitate to ask us about it.

Go ahead and execute it now

[Shanester]

Originally Posted by JonR

Thanks guys. I received the firmware disc in the mail and it has instructions with it. I am still a bit hesitant about doing it though. I don't want to damage the player.

If the player is busted it won't accept the update anyway. Take it from me

Good luck though